REACH Drama is having auditions for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this Wednesday, January 9th, from 12pm-4:30pm. Auditions are at Zion Church in Troy. Please use the East Entrance.

We are open to a few new families. If you are interested in joining REACH, please contact Robin Sanborn LaRoy.

REACH Drama runs from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on Wednesdays. Please check the Web site calendar for the exact dates and times. Please note there are a few days in the semester where we are there from 12:00pm to 4:30pm.

The semester fee for Drama is $65. Tech is $32.50.

Auditions, as always, are run in a few different formats. First, we do a group audition. This is for the kids that don't feel comfortable reading lines or speaking a monologue. Usually this tends to be the younger kids, but there is no age limit on group auditions. The second audition format is reading lines. The kids will be able to read various parts of a script with other kids. There is also the opportunity for a monologue. Students can prepare a 30 second monologue ahead of time and perform it at auditions. And, lastly, there is the opportunity to perform a song and/or dance. Students can prepare a 30 second song or dance to perform during auditions. For monologues, dances, and songs, the kids will be timed and may be cut short if they go over.

Open Gym will be offered at the Troy Community Center from 2:45-4:45pm on Wednesdays following Drama (check the Web site calendar for dates). It is $30 per student for the semester or $5 per student to drop in. This semester's Open Gym starts January 30th.

Audition, liability and registration forms are available under FORMS on the Web site. You can get a jump start on filling those out, by printing them and bringing them with you to auditions.

The class schedule has been announced. If you missed it, it is also on the Web site under The Latest Info.

For more information and our calendar, forms, and PayPal payments, please visit our Web site at:http://reachhomeschool.weebly.com

Classes start on January 30th and all classes are at 11am. If you are not a participating in REACH Drama, there is a $15 facilities fee per semester, per child to take classes. The facilities fee for Chemistry this semester is only $5 because it is just 4 weeks.Class fees are payable to the instructor. Facilities fee are payable to REACH on the Web site or to Hope Zinnbauer.Class schedules are on the REACH Web site calendar at http://reachhomeschool.weebly.com/Beginner SpanishAges: 5th grade and upTeacher BellaCost: $20Meeting weekly at 11amA fun and interactive class taught by a Spanish speaker to introduce children to the language!Room 301

Introduction to Highschool Chemistry Continued Ages: 12+Teacher: TracyCost: $6 for winter termWe will only meet for 4 classes -January 30, February 6, 20, and 27.Students will continue to learn some of the basic principles of chemistry through readings and assignments at home and hands on experiments in class. This class can be considered credit for high school science if students complete both terms. This class is only for students from last term. Students are required to bring a pen/pencil to every class to write their lab report.We will meet in Room 405 at 11 am.

Chemistry and PhysicsAges: 10 - 13(younger students may be permitted with teacher permission)Teacher: TracyCost: $10We will meet March 6,13,20, & 27 and April 3, 10, & 17.The physics classes will use K’nex to teach wind and water energy, forces and motion, as well as simple and complex machines. In chemistry we will do an acid/base titration, as well as some thermochemistry.Each class will begin with a short lesson then a hands on experiment. Students should bring safety glasses or goggles if they have them. I have several pairs but they may be too large for some students. Students who wear glasses will be okay with their own glasses for the physics experiments but will need safety goggles for the chemistry labs.Room 405

Tai ChiAges: AllTeacher: JacqueCost: $5 per semester Meeting weekly at 11:00 (no class 2/25)Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Originally developed for self-defense, tai chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.Wear comfortable clothes that you can move freely in. Participants will learn traditional warm ups, meditation exercises and 24-form Tai Chi Chuan.Room 302

"Acoustic Cafe" Ages: All Teacher: KaydenCost: $15 per semester Meeting weekly starting January 30 (no class on costume parade) Description: This is a class to make music happen and have it all come together in an incredible performance for intermission of the spring play. If you'd like to learn UKULELE or BEGINNER GUITAR, this is part of the class (please provide your own instrument), or you can choose percussion including a cahone (box drum), tambourine, maracas, and more (provided). Students will learn basic cords and rhythms, and then combine them with vocals to perform at the show! We will also pay music games to enhance their skills and have lots of fun making music together!Room 406​

REACH Orientation is August 15th. It is required for new families and encouraged for old. We'd love to especially get some older families there to meet the new ones and help them along. Orientation is at Zion Church in Troy, August 15th at 12:00pm. Please use the East Entrance.

Please note: REACH Drama is not open to new families at this time, unless they have already been approved to add this fall. Please contact Robin if you have questions as to whether you are on the new family list. New families are always welcome in classes, at open gym, and in tech.

REACH Drama runs from 12:00pm to 2:30pm on Wednesdays. Please check the Web site calendar for the exact dates and times. Please note there are a few days in the semester where we are there from 12:00pm to 4:30pm.

Auditions are August 22nd at 12:00pm at Zion Church in Troy. Please use the East Entrance. Auditions, as always, are run in a few different formats. First, we do a group audition. This is for the kids that don't feel comfortable reading lines or speaking a monologue. Usually this tends to be the younger kids, but there is no age limit on group auditions. The second audition format is reading lines. The kids will be able to read various parts of a script with other kids. There is also the opportunity for a monologue. Students can prepare a 30 second monologue ahead of time and perform it at auditions. And, lastly, there is the opportunity to perform a song and/or dance. Students can prepare a 30 second song or dance to perform during auditions. For monologues, dances, and songs, the kids will be timed and may be cut short if they go over.

Our amazingly talented director, Nora Lee, no longer has her own student in our program. (Congratulations Graduate!) We are excited to announce that we have hired Nora Lee to continue as our director and fearless leader for Fall of 2018 and onward.

Due to the above, our fees have gone up for the semester. The semester fee for Drama is $65. Tech is $32.50.

Open gym will be offered at the Troy Community Center from 2:45-4:45pm on Wednesdays following Drama (check the Web site calendar for dates). It is $30 per student for the semester or $5 per student to drop in.

Audition, liability and registration forms are available under FORMS on the Web site. You can get a jump start on filling those out, by printing them and bringing them with you to auditions.

The class schedule is being worked on and separate announcements will be made regarding class ideas and class information.

We are excited to announce REACH Drama is open to a limited number of NEW actors for the fall 2018 semester! Please contact Robin on the REACH Homeschool Facebook group with your children's names and ages to reserve a space for fall.

Tech is also open for the fall; no advanced sign up needed.

REACH Drama meets Wednesdays at Zion Church in Troy. We are for all ages up to 18 years. We are not a drop off program. Parent participation is mandatory. Parents are assigned weekly jobs and are required to work a job during tech week for at least two dress rehearsals and two performances. Help at set strike is also mandatory. Fees for last semester were $55 per actor, $27.50 for tech. Costumes are the financial responsibility of the actor's family. The REACH calendar and more information is available on our Web site: reachhomeschool.weebly.com

The much anticipated class information is finally complete. Lots of information here. I attempted to make sure all of the many PMs I have recieved were answered in this post, so please read it all the way through.

Side-note: If you have a question about a particular class, please send it to the appropriate teacher, or tag them here in the comments. Also, I am going out of town, mostly without internet access. If you have questions, it's better to ask them here and let the REACH collective answer them. Thanks!! :)

Classes:All classes start at 11am.

In order to sign up for classes, please contact the teacher teaching that class. Class material fees are listed for each class. If you are not in drama, there is a $15 per semester building usage fee due to REACH in order to take classes.

Introduction to High school PhysicsAges: 12+Teacher: Tracy MCost: $12 for fall termRoom 406Students will learn some of the basic principles of physics through readings, assignments, and hands on experiments. The class will run on the following dates: 9/13, 9/20, 10/11, 10/18, 11/1, and 11/8. (Please note that I will teach a part 2 of this class in the next term.)

Science ExplorationAges: 8-12Teacher: Tracy MCost: $2 per classRoom 406We will explore a different kind of science each time we meet from chemistry to engineering and many things in between. Class time will consist of hands on experiments. Some may need to be completed at home due to the time needed to complete them. Classes will run 10/4, 10/25, and 11/15. (I will teach this class again in the next term.) The week before the class I will post what I am teaching the next time and parents can let me know if the children are participating.

ArtAges 2-6, but flexible Teacher: Kim MKCost:$15 per semesterRoom 405We'll have projects, but the kids are welcome to do their own thing. I am not an artist so this is mainly an opportunity to explore different mediums in a group with other children, no real instruction.

Hang-out/Game spaceAll AgesRoom 302Bring your Magic cards, historical conquest, other games, or just come and hang out with friends. Room 302 will be open from 11am-12pm. We need parent volunteers that are willing to sign up to be in this space in order to make this space work. Please contact Robin L if you can sign up to be present in this space, even if it's just for one or two weeks.

Strummin and humminAges: 12 and underTeacher: Alissa SCost: $5 per semester, come to as many or as few classes as you likeRoom 301It will be singing, music games, ukulele playing, laughing and so much more fun! Each class will have a fun wiggle song, learn a new song, and play some sort of music game.

Non-Weekly events:(events below are free and do not require a building usage fee)Room 304

Heroism- September 13thHosted by: Robin LJoin us at to learn about heroism. Do you have a hero? If the need arose, would you be a bystander or a hero? Thomas James, organizer with the Hero Round Table conference, will be with us to discuss heroism.

Mental Health First Aid- October 4, 11, 18.This mini-course taught by April M

first aid ˌfərst ˈād/nounhelp given to a sick or injured person until full medical treatment is available.

Many of us have taken a first aid course. Having taken first aid, we do not expect to heal a broken leg or stop a heart attack. We do expect to be able to keep the person safe and from further harm until help arrives. We usually think of first aid in terms of physical illness or injury. But isn’t mental or emotional illness or injury also valid and important? We’ll discuss basic definitions and explore ways to help. This course will be appropriate for adults, teens and some pre-teens. We will be discussing difficult topics including suicide and self harm.

Week 2: Mental health and stigma. What is it, why does it matter and what can we do about it?

Week 3: Suicide prevention. Tools to help in a crisis.

Mental health awareness has been important to me for many years. In 2012, my son died from suicide as a result of mental health issues. I volunteer with Common Ground with their Survivor of Suicide Loss support group. I have been trained in crisis intervention and have successfully completed Mental Health First Aid for adults and Mental Health First Aid for youth. I actively volunteer and speak about the topics of suicide prevention, mental health awareness and the stigma associated with both.

We are not currently accepting new families for REACH Drama acting, however, we are accepting new families to our Tech program with the understanding that the parent/guardian for the new family will be required to take a job in the tech room helping out.

Our policy on REACH being closed to new families for acting: Due to the overwhelming success of the REACH Drama program, we are not accepting any new families to acting starting Jan 2017. However, we recognize that families that may have participated in past plays might decide that participating in every play isn't for them. We don't want to punish our families for taking a break and doing what their kids and family need at the time. With this in mind, we wanted to clarify the policy: if you have ever been a dues paying REACH Drama (acting or tech) family in the past, up through Fall 2016, you are always welcome to return.​To the new families interested in the Drama program, we will accept new families to Tech Crew only on the condition that a parent volunteer during Tech. We strongly encourage kids that have an interest in theater to try out the Tech Crew. New families will stay on Tech Crew only until the limit on acting families is lifted. The restriction is only being place on REACH Drama acting. New families are always welcome to attend classes, activities, open gyms, and park days.

We have cancelled the orientation meeting scheduled for August 16th. In lieu of a meeting, we will have a couple of posts with all the information you need for the coming year.

We do have some changes for the coming year, so please read the entire post. :)

Schedule Changes:This year, REACH classes will start at 11am. Class topics will be finalized at the parent planning meeting, August 14th, but they are likely to include science and art, among other things. Drama will start at 12pm and go until 2:30pm, as usual. We have use of the church building from 10:45-2:45. At 2:45, Open Gym starts at the Troy Community Center.

Cost Changes:REACH has not had to raise it's rates since almost the beginning. However, with rising rental fees and other costs, we felt a slight rate increase was finally necessary. The new costs are as follows:Drama Semester Fee- $55Tech semester fee- $27.50Building usage fee, for those not in Drama- $15(Those in Drama will not need to pay an additional building usage fee to take classes outside of Drama)Open Gym Semester fee (covers the 9 sessions in Fall semester)- $30Open Gym daily rate- $5

Open Gym Changes:Due to no longer having use of the church gym, we have been able to secure use of the Troy Community Center for Open Gym. Gym is from 2:45-4:45pm on Wednesdays. Water is the only beverage allowed in the gym per the Community Center rules. Please consume all other snacks and beverages before arriving. Specific dates are on the REACH Web site calendar. More information on Open Gym sign up to come.

Late Fee Information:Please remember Drama and Tech fees are due by Read-Thru (September 6th). Every week late after that will incur a late fee of $5 per week. If you need to set up a payment plan, please see Lauree Busch by September 6th to avoid late fees.​Please let us know if you have any questions. More information on specific classes coming soon.

To go along with the previous post, now that REACH is a non-profit, we are signed up with Amazon Smile. If you use the link smile.amazon.com to access Amazon, a portion of your purchases can go to the charity of your choice. To select REACH as your charity, sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser and simply select “Change your Charity” in “Your Account.” "Reach Homeschool Group" will show up when you search for it.

It's official. REACH Homeschool Group is a non-profit organization (or a 501c3, to be specific). We started the process of applying for non-profit status almost a year ago and officially became a non-profit in late 2016.

You might ask, "How does this change affect me?"You will likely not notice any changes. It opens up opportunities for fundraising for REACH in the future. And REACH uses it's money just as it always has, for space rental, insurance, set, props, light and sound equipment, scripts, and supplies.

The current Board of Directors members are: Nora-Lee L., Lauree B., Robin L., Kim K., and Joe R.. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Auditions for Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book are Wednesday, January 11th from 12:00-4:30pm. The performance dates are May 4th, 5th, and 6th. Please see the REACH Web site calendar for more dates and information.

Just a few announcements related to the upcoming production. We are excited to be doing Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book starting in January. However, we wanted to clarify, this is not the Disney version. We will be incorporating the Rikki Tikki Tavi story into the play as well.

Auditions will be Wednesday, January 11th from 12:00-4:30pm. The performance dates are May 4th, 5th, and 6th. Please see the REACH Web site calendar for more dates and information.http://reachhomeschool.weebly.com/

If you are a REACH family, and you have already made a decision not to participate in the next play, please let Nora-Lee know. It helps us know ahead of time approximately how many roles will be needed in the production.

Also, some parents and actors were wondering if face paint is a necessity for the Jungle Book play. As REACH has done with past plays, we will use an array of face paint, masks, and other costuming to transform the actors into animals. Face paint is not mandatory, but is an option for those that want it.​

To our REACH families, past and present, we wanted to clarify the restriction we have placed on acting for the coming semester. Due to the overwhelming success of the REACH Drama program, we are not accepting any new families to acting starting Jan 2017. However, we recognize that families that may have participated in past plays might decide that participating in every play isn't for them. We don't want to punish our families for taking a break and doing what their kids and family need at the time. With this in mind, we wanted to clarify the policy: if you have ever been a dues paying REACH Drama (acting or tech) family in the past, up through Fall 2016, you are always welcome to return.To the new families interested in the Drama program, we will accept new families to Tech Crew only. We strongly encourage kids that have an interest in theater to try out the Tech Crew. New families will stay on Tech Crew only until the limit on acting families is lifted. The restriction is only being place on REACH Drama acting. New families are always welcome to attend classes, activities, open gyms, and park days.

We are excited to announce that the selection for next semester's REACH Drama play has been made. We will be performing Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book.This current semester, REACH Drama has had it's largest cast ever at more than 80 actors. We are both humbled and overwhelmed at this amazing turn out for the Drama program. Due to this success, we have reached our capacity. We will not be accepting any new families to REACH Drama for acting for the spring semester. We will accept new families to Tech Crew only. New families will stay on Tech Crew only until the limit on acting families is lifted. The restriction is only being place on REACH Drama acting. New families are always welcome to attend classes, activities, open gyms, and park days. Please let us know if you have any questions regarding this restriction or the coming semester. Thank you!

--Mon Nov 28 12pm - 9pm Set Building Day- optional, come for as long as you are able and help build the set.--Tue Nov 29 9am Dress Rehearsal--Wed Nov 30 10am Double Dress Rehearsal- bring lunch and snacks, this is a long day. We are done when we finish both full rehearsals. Prepare to be at Reach until 7pm.--Thu Dec 1 5pm Cast Call7pm Opening Night Performance--Fri Dec 2 11am Cast Call1pm PerformanceBetween performances- stay at the church and eat5pm Cast Call7pm Performance--Sat Dec 3 11:30am Cast Call1pm PerformanceAfter the performance, Mandatory Set Strike- every family needs someone there to help strike the set.

Wednesday, November 23, because it is the day before Thanksgiving, we will have a REACH Drama run through startng at 12pm. We will go until we finish the play. Prepare to be there later than 2:30pm. There will be no open gym or classes that day.

Wednesday, August 31st, is REACH Drama team building game day! It's a great opportunity for new and old REACH Drama members to get to know each other. Current cast members and their siblings are welcome! The timing for the day is 12-4:30pm.

At the end of all the activities, we will have an ice cream social. Please bring a topping to share. The more toppings brought, the more we have to go around. Please post in the REACH Drama facebook group what you plan to bring so people can have an idea of what others are bringing. Ice cream, bowls, spoons, and napkins will be provided by REACH. If you have other dietary needs, please feel free to bring alternative ice cream (non-dairy, etc) to accommodate your needs.​See everyone Thursday at noon at Zion Church. Remember to park at the EAST entrance this week!

The cast list for A Christmas Carol has been posted. Please join the REACH Drama Facebook group to see the cast list and accept your role! If you have trouble joining, join the REACH Homeschool Group FB page and post there. We can help add you to the REACH Drama group. Thank you!